Not limited at practice

Gabriel (ribs) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: This confirms Gabriel escaped with a minor injury during Sunday's 24-10 win over Minnesota. With Allen Robinson (ribs) and Anthony Miller (shoulder) also managing full participation at practice, Mitchell Trubisky heads into the playoffs with his full complement of weapons. The first test comes this weekend in a wild-card matchup with a shaky Philadelphia pass defense.

Suffers rib injury

Gabriel injured his ribs during Sunday's 24-10 win in Minnesota, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Analysis: Gabriel's injury initially was termed a shoulder concern, but further evaluation helped the Bears hone in on the area at issue. Coach Matt Nagy said Gabriel and Anthony Miller (shoulder) will continue to be examined but believes neither injury is serious. The duo joins Allen Robinson (ribs) as banged-up Bears receivers heading into preparation for a wild-card matchup with the Eagles.

Exits with shoulder injury

Gabriel was forced from Sunday's game against the Vikings after suffering a shoulder injury.

Analysis: Anthony Miller was also ruled out with a shoulder issue with Allen Robinson (ribs) already inactive, leaving the Bears with little depth at wide receiver. Josh Bellamy, Kevin White and Javon Wims are the remaining wideouts on the roster for Chicago.

May see bigger role minus Robinson

Gabriel may have more play-making opportunities available Sunday against the Vikings with Allen Robinson (ribs) inactive for the contest, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site reports.

Analysis: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has typically spread the wealth around among the Bears' pass catchers this season, but Mayer posits that Robinson's absence coupled with the artificial turf in Minnesota will prove most beneficial to Gabriel, the speediest member of the team's wideout corps. Gabriel didn't need the aid of turf to make things difficult for Minnesota back in Week 11 at Soldier Field, where he turned nine targets into seven receptions for 52 yards and took two carries for 17 yards.

Another slow performance

Gabriel caught three passes for 28 yards while adding one rushing attempt for eight yards in the Bears' 14-9 victory over the 49ers.

Analysis: Amazingly, Gabriel's three targets and 28 yards were third on the team, but that had to do with an ultra-conservative game plan the Bears used to control the clock. Over the last four games, he hasn't posted 35 receiving yards, and he'll be tough to use in fantasy lineups in Week 17 against a tough Minnesota defense.

Struggles continue

Gabriel caught three passes for 33 yards in Chicago's 24-17 win over the Packers.

Analysis: After being targeted at least seven times in each of his last four games, Gabriel was targeted just three times as the Chicago offense leaned upon its rushing attack to control the clock. He hasn't scored a touchdown or exceeded 52 yards in any of his last nine games, making him a low-upside option in the fantasy playoffs.

Held in check

Gabriel caught three passes for 22 yards in the Bears' Week 14 victory over the Rams.

Analysis: Gabriel saw an impressive seven targets, but Mitch Trubisky was erratic as a passer in his return from a shoulder injury. With fewer than 25 yards in each of his last three games with Trubisky under center, along with the fact he hasn't scored a touchdown or surpassed 52 yards in any of his last eight games, he'll be tough to trust in the fantasy playoffs.

Disappointing performance

Gabriel caught three passes for 17 yards in Chicago's Week 13 loss to the Giants.

Analysis: After notching a pair of 100-yard performances earlier in the season, Gabriel hasn't exceeded 52 receiving yards or scored a touchdown in any of his last seven contests. However, he's been targeted at least seven times in each of the last three games, and he's always a threat to make a big play, so his volume and and potential make him a borderline fantasy starter.

Co-leads team in receptions

Gabriel brought in seven of eight targets for 49 yards in the Bears' 23-16 win over the Lions on Thursday.

Analysis: Gabriel's reception total drew even with that of Tarik Cohen's for the team lead on the afternoon. The sixth-year wideout now has back-to-back seven-catch efforts, and he's logged an elevated 17 targets overall in the last pair of contests. However, Gabriel hasn't found the end zone since Week 4, a matter he'll try to rectify versus the vulnerable Giants defense in a Week 13 matchup on Dec. 2.

Bounces back against Vikings

Gabriel caught seven balls (on nine targets) for 52 yards in Sunday's 25-20 win over Minnesota. He also ran the ball twice for 17 yards.

Analysis: Gabriel led the Bears in targets, catches and receiving yards a week after not recording a reception. The nine targets were the second-highest total for the 27-year-old. This was likely a result of No. 1 wideout Allen Robinson drawing the much tougher matchup against shutdown corner Xavier Rhodes. A similar target share could unfold Thursday against the Lions if Robinson is forced to match up against Darius Slay.

Shut out in Week 10

Gabriel was targeted three times but failed to catch a pass in Chicago's Week 10 victory over the Lions.

Analysis: Gabriel was targeted on a deep pass in the end zone, but the ball was overthrown, but otherwise he wasn't a focal point of the Bears' attack in an easy victory over the Lions. After posting a pair of 100-yard games, he's averaged just 31 yards in the four games since, making him a risky option in weekly fantasy lineups.

Elevates to full practice

Gabriel (knee) was a full practice participant Thursday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Gabriel is on a similar path to last week, when he followed up a limited session Wednesday with an uncapped practice one day later. Such progress is welcome after he limped off the field near the conclusion of this past Sunday's win at Buffalo. With Allen Robinson (groin) set to return Week 10 versus the Lions, Gabriel will revert to a secondary option in the Bears' passing attack.

Limited Wednesday

Gabriel (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Gabriel began last week with the same listing, only to practice in full twice to wrap up Week 9 prep. Near the end of Sunday's convincing victory in Buffalo, he limped off the field favoring his right leg, which coach Matt Nagy termed "soreness" afterward, per Adam Hoge of WGN Radio 720 AM Chicago. There's a chance Gabriel's right knee injury lingers, but the fact he fit in some activity indicates the Bears have instituted a maintenance program of sorts with his availability on gameday in mind.

Dealing with leg 'soreness'

After Sunday's 41-9 win in Buffalo, coach Matt Nagy called Gabriel's right leg injury "soreness," Adam Hoge of WGN Radio 720 AM Chicago reports.

Analysis: Despite limping off the field in the fourth quarter, Gabriel appears to have escaped Week 9 with a minor health issue. He finished the day with three catches (on five targets) for 45 yards, the latter of which he's achieved (at least) in four of the last five contests. Wednesday's injury report will reveal whether Gabriel's practice reps are impacted.

Injures right leg Sunday

Gabriel limped off the field favoring his right left in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 41-9 win at Buffalo, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Prior to his departure with 4:40 left in the game, Gabriel gathered in three of five passes for 45 yards. He's reached that yardage total in four of the past five games, a trend that could continue if his injury isn't serious and No. 1 wide receiver Allen Robinson continues to miss time with a groin concern. The Bears won't practice again until Wednesday, so coach Matt Nagy may not touch on Gabriel's health until midweek.

Turns in full practice

Gabriel (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Gabriel's advancement to full participation after being limited in the Bears' first session of the week suggests his knee issue isn't too worrisome. Though he posted a modest line of four receptions for 52 yards in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Jets, Gabriel could handle an elevated role on offense in Week 9 against the Bills with top wideout Allen Robinson (groin) in danger of a second straight absence. Robinson was a spectator in the Bears' practices Wednesday and Thursday.

Dealing with minor knee issue

Gabriel was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury.

Analysis: This is Gabriel's first appearance on the injury report as a member of the Bears, though he did miss time with a foot injury during the preseason. The knee issue may provide an explanation for his disappointing snap share (67 percent) in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Jets, as common sense dictated increased involvement with Allen Robinson (groin) out of the lineup. Gabriel's ability to practice Wednesday -- even in a limited capacity -- suggests he's on track to suit up Week 9 at Buffalo.…read more

Sees six targets

Gabriel caught four passes for 52 yards in Sunday's 24-10 victory over the Jets.

Analysis: With Chicago controlling this game throughout, the Bears attempted just 29 passes, which limited Gabriel's opportunities, and although one of his six targets was a deep shot down the right sideline, the pass was significantly overthrown. He's only found the end zone in one game this season, and his inconsistent yardage totals make him a volatile fantasy option.

May help replace Robinson

Gabriel could act as the Bears' top receiver in Sunday's game against the Jets with Allen Robinson (groin) inactive.

Analysis: Robinson played through the groin issue in the Bears' Week 7 loss to the Patriots and was limited to one catch for four yards on five targets, but his lack of involvement proved most beneficial to Trey Burton (nine catches, 126 yards and a touchdown) rather than any of the team's other wideouts. There's a good chance that Burton again acts as the Bears' top target with Robinson out of the mix entirely, though Gabriel and rookie Anthony Miller look like decent bounce-back options after meager…read more

Quiet in Week 7

Gabriel caught three passes for 26 yards in the Bears' 38-31 loss to New England.

Analysis: Mitchell Trubisky threw the ball 50 times, but it was disappointing that Gabriel was targeted just four times. However, it was clear that the Patriots paid special attention to him so that he wouldn't beat them with his blazing speed. In addition, Trubisky was inaccurate on the majority of his passes thrown to his outside receivers, which directly impacted Gabriel's performance. He's now had a pair of big games to go along with four games in which he had fewer than 35 receiving yards, making…read more

Two long catches in Week 6

Gabriel caught all five of his targets for 110 yards and added a nine-yard carry in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss to the Dolphins.

Analysis: Gabriel is emerging as a legitimate big-play threat for the Bears, as evidenced by the 47-yard deep ball he hauled in during the first half and his 54-yard catch in the third quarter. Owners in deeper formats should take notice ahead of Chicago's Week 7 clash with New England.

Enjoys breakout effort in blowout win

Gabriel brought in all seven targets for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' 48-10 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also rushed once for 10 yards.

Analysis: Like teammate Tarik Cohen, Gabriel finally had a chance to showcase some of his game-breaking ability in the blowout win. The fifth-year speedster notched his first two touchdowns as a Bear in the process, posting a pair of three-yard scores in the second and third quarter. Gabriel will look to build on Sunday's breakout effort against the Dolphins in Week 6 following a Week 5 bye.

Posts 34 yards

Gabriel caught six passes for 34 yards in the Bears' 16-14 victory over the Cardinals in Week 3.

Analysis: Although Gabriel failed to average six yards per reception, he was targeted twice on deep passes, but both of those attempts were broken up. In addition, he was targeted a team-high 10 times, and he's averaging six touches per game through three contests. Even though he's yet to post more than 47 yards in a game, his usage is promising, and if the Bears offense can begin to gel, he could see an increase in his fantasy value.

Seven touches in Week 2

Gabriel caught four passes for 30 yards while adding another 17 yards on three rushing attempts in Monday's win over the Seahawks.

Analysis: For a player who was largely thought to be a deep threat going into the season, it's becoming clear that the coaching staff simply wants to get the ball in his hands on short passes and runs to let him try to make plays with his speed. However, on his 12 touches this season, he's averaging just six yards, and although fantasy owners can't complain about the usage, the fact he's not being put in position to catch deep passes takes away much of his fantasy appeal. If this type of usage continues,…read more

Plays 85.7 percent of snaps

Gabriel played 60 of 70 offensive snaps (85.7 percent) in Sunday's 24-23 loss to Green Bay, catching each of his five targets for a total of 25 yards.

Analysis: Operating as the clear No. 2 wide receiver, Gabriel had a 31-yard gain on a downfield pass but was otherwise stuffed near the line of scrimmage on a bunch of short throws. He also had an 11-yard gain wiped out by a penalty and an incomplete deep target negated by a roughing-the-passer call. Allen Robinson led the Bears with seven targets and 61 receiving yards, while rookie Anthony Miller caught two of three targets for 14 yards on 39 snaps (55.7 percent). Gabriel will face the Seahawks on…read more

Returns early from foot injury

Gabriel (foot) caught his only target for a 10-yard reception during Saturday's preseason game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: It was originally thought that Gabriel wouldn't return until the regular season began, but the speedy wideout progressed quickly through his rehab process. The coaching staff clearly wasn't ready to push it, limiting Gabriel to just a few snaps before he called it a day. Regardless of his impact on the game, Gabriel's availability bodes well for the offense with the regular season drawing near, as his ability to stretch opposing defenses can open things up for his teammates.

Hopeful to return Week 1

Head coach Matt Nagy reported that he's very confident that Gabriel (foot) will be ready for Week 1, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site reports.

Analysis: It certainly would help the entire Bears offense if Gabriel could return to face Green Bay, as he possesses the deep speed to take the top off defenses, which potentially will create more space for his teammates. In terms of his fantasy value, his big-play ability gives him weekly upside, but he's never been a high-volume target, which also gives him a low weekly floor.

Unlikely to go Saturday

Gabriel (foot) isn't expected to play Saturday at Denver, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Gabriel is approaching the two-week mark in his recovery from a foot injury, which is conspiring to hold him out of preseason action. During pregame warmups, he was among a handful of Bears not in uniform, a sign that he won't take the field Saturday. Considering he signed a four-year, $26 million contract in the offseason, Gabriel is in the Bears' 2018 plans, but his initial in-game snaps with the team will have to wait another week.

Unavailable for Thursday's game

Gabriel (foot) will not dress for Thursday's preseason game against the Bengals, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Gabriel has been sidelined since Saturday due what's been termed a minor foot issue, so his absence from Thursday's playing roster shouldn't be a major shock. An appearance at some point in training camp would provide prospective fantasy owners with a look into his potential role with the club, but the financial investment the Bears committed this offseason suggests the team plans to give him starter snaps. His next opportunity to take the field in game action arrives next Saturday against the…read more

Only dealing with minor issue

Bears coach Matt Nagy said Gabriel's foot injury isn't serious, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Gabriel hasn't practiced since Saturday and likely will be held out of Thursday's preseason game against Cincinnati, but it doesn't sound as if he's in much danger of missing Week 1. Prospective fantasy owners would still like to see Gabriel at least once this preseason, hoping for a clue about how the Bears plan to use him. The four-year, $24 million contract is a strong hint in the direction of regular snaps, but Gabriel may be a low-volume deep threat more so than a consistent source of…read more

Dealing with foot injury

Gabriel did not practice Sunday due to a foot injury and is considered day-to-day, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic Chicago reports.

Analysis: It's unclear exactly when Gabriel suffered the foot injury, but given that he is being viewed as day-to-day, it doesn't appear the wideout will be sidelined for too long. Gabriel has impressed during the start of training camp and is expected to play an important role this season as part of a revamped receiving unit in Chicago.

Looking good so far

Gabriel is off to a good start early in training camp and is excited for how the Bears plan to use him, Patrick Finley of The Chicago Sun-Times reports. "[Gabriel]'s working through some adjustments within the play on what he does against a certain coverage," said Bears coach Matt Nagy. "But the biggest thing for him is he's a speedy guy, and he knows how we're going to use him and some of the things we want to do. And he's done a great job."

Analysis: Listed at 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, Gabriel is one of the smallest players in the NFL but also one of the fastest. His speed was put to good use with the Browns in 2014 and the Falcons in 2016, and a down season in 2017 didn't dissuade the Bears from giving him a four-year, $26 million contract with $14 million guaranteed. Gabriel hopes to be used in the same way as Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who had 544 receiving yards in five games (including playoffs) after Nagy took over play-calling…read more

Bears head coach Matt Nagy expects Gabriel to stretch the defense vertically in 2018, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-TImes reports.

Analysis: Nagy plans to use Gabriel in a "zebra" role, which is primarily designed for a slot receiver that can also be put in motion to create mismatches. Gabriel has had two seasons with at least 16.5 yards per reception during his four years in the league, though he has yet to catch more than 36 passes in any campaign. Although he's unlikely to draw considerable target volume from game to game, Gabriel's big-play ability makes him an upside play in the latter rounds of fantasy drafts.

Gabriel is in line to sign with the Bears, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: The Bears are wasting no time in free agency, with adding weapons for young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky obviously the team's top priority. Along with Gabriel, a 5-foot-8 speedster with a degree of big-play ability, the team is also set up to add wideout Allen Robinson and tight end Trey Burton. Gabriel, who caught 33 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown in 16 games for the Falcons this past season, further bolsters a receiving corps that also features the likes of Josh Bellamy, Cameron…read more

Gabriel sent out a tweet suggesting he won't be back with the Falcons.

Analysis: A major component to the Falcons' late-season run the previous year, Gabriel struggled to gain any traction in 2017 and ultimately finished the year with nine consecutive games (including playoffs) of 20 or fewer receiving yards. The Falcons could look to 2015 fourth-round pick Justin Hardy in the No. 3 receiver role, but they'd probably prefer to add a veteran or early draft pick for the job. Meanwhile, Gabriel may have to settle for the opportunity to compete for a similar role elsewhere.…read more

Gabriel caught two balls for four yards Saturday as the Falcons fell, 15-10, to the Eagles in the divisional round.

Analysis: Gabriel finishes the season with 33 receptions for 378 yards and one touchdown, and while that only represented two fewer catches than last season, he recorded 201 fewer yards and five fewer touchdowns than in 2016. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and it's certainly possible he'll look to latch on with a team that isn't as stacked as the Falcons at wide receiver.

Gabriel (hamstring) practiced fully Thursday and is "ready to go" for Saturday's wild-card game against the Rams, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Aside from his early departure Week 17, Gabriel hovered between 40 and 65 percent of the offensive snaps in most games during the 2017 campaign. Because he played third fiddle to Julio Jones (ankle/ribs) and Mohamed Sanu throughout, Gabriel managed multiple catches in 10 of 16 games this season. Of those six with one or fewer, though, four of them occurred during the final five contests, meaning he may have a difficult time getting in on the act against the Rams' 13th-ranked pass defense.

Gabriel (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Tuesday, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: In the portion of practice open to the media, Gabriel was seen working on the side, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Typically, such activity doesn't translate to a limited showing, so Gabriel likely took part in individual drills, at the very least, Tuesday. The development is a positive one after he left Sunday's Week 17 outing versus the Panthers due to a hamstring injury.

Gabriel is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Panthers with a hamstring injury, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Gabriel sustained the injury in the latter stages of the first quarter as he pulled up and reached for his hamstring while covering a punt. Justin Hardy and Andre Roberts are options to step in as the Falcons' No. 3 receiver while Gabriel is sidelined.

Gabriel caught two passes for 16 yards in Monday's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Coming off a 2016 campaign when he scored six touchdowns, Gabriel has been a bit of a disappointment in 2017, as he's only scored one touchdown on the year. He was held to one catch for 10 yards the last time the Falcons played the Saints, and the two teams will meet again in Week 16.

Gabriel caught his only target for 10 yards and added nine yards on a carry during Thursday's 20-17 win over Atlanta.

Analysis: The playmaker has had a weak encore campaign in Atlanta's offense. Gabriel looked to be righting the ship during Weeks 9 and 10 with 132 total yards, but he has just nine touches and 53 total yards in the four weeks since. He saw a solid 31 offensive snaps on Thursday, but Atlanta offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian hasn't utilized him as often or in the same way Kyle Shanahan did in 2016.

Gabriel caught one of two targets for six yards during Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Gabriel has averaged just 2.4 targets in the past seven games after seeing 5.2 targets per game through the first five weeks of the season. For someone who relies upon a long touchdown to be of any service in fantasy, this decreased workload is bad news. With that said, the Falcons impending date with the Saints on Thursday could turn into a high-scoring affair, and Atlanta may need their downfield threat to keep pace.

Gabriel caught all three of his targets for 16 yards during Sunday's 34-20 win over Tampa Bay.

Analysis: It had looked for a moment that new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian had finally figured out how to utilize Gabriel with 132 total yards between Weeks 9 and 10. The speedster has just 23 total yards in the two games since. It isn't a lack of opportunity as Gabriel saw the field for 42 offensive plays on Sunday, just two fewer than Julio Jones. It may just be that Gabriel is not as large a point of emphasis in Atlanta's schemes this season. At this point in the season, it'd be a surprise…read more

Gabriel snagged all three of his targets for 58 yards in Sunday's 27-7 win over Dallas. He added a 15-yard run during the contest

Analysis: Gabriel was a spark for Atlanta's offense during last year's conference title run, capable of stretching defenses by being a constant threat to make a big play. With new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian at the helm, some of that spark seemed lost earlier in the season, as Gabriel recorded just one catch of 30 or more yards in Atlanta's first seven games. Gabriel has now hauled in a 30-yard pass in each of the Falcons' past two games. It seems as if Sarkisian is finding ways for Gabriel to…read more

Gabriel brought in three of four targets for 56 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: The 26-year-old checked in second in both receptions and receiving yards on the Falcons for the afternoon, and his yardage tally was also his second highest of the season. Gabriel hasn't been as productive in offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian's system as compared to his work in Kyle Shanahan's scheme last season, has he's managed only two receptions of over 20 yards through eight games. His targets naturally fluctuate in his third receiver role, but he remains a high-upside upside option in…read more

Gabriel (tooth) was a full practice participant Thursday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Gabriel's practice reps were impacted by a pulled tooth Wednesday, but its importance was downplayed after completing Thursday's session. Once Sunday's game in Carolina arrives, expect Gabriel to vie with tight end Austin Hooper for the attention of Matt Ryan behind the Falcons' top two pass catchers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu.